Supreme Court blocks mid-course fee hikes at private engineering and medical colleges

The Supreme Court of India ruled that a 37% increase in tuition and an additional development fee for BTech students admitted in 2023-27 at Dr BC Roy Engineering College were unlawful, overturning the college's decision. Justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe warned that sudden fee hikes can create severe financial strain for students and their families, who often save for years or rely on loans to fund professional courses.

The bench stressed that the regulatory framework, including AICTE guidelines and the National Education Policy 2020, obliges authorities to publish the full fee schedule before admission. It recognized the contribution of self-financing colleges but insisted that fee structures must remain predictable, allowing changes only under extraordinary conditions. The decision underscores the need for transparent, pre-admission cost disclosures to protect the quality and accessibility of professional education. It also signals tighter oversight of fee practices across private engineering and medical institutions.